The French Bulldog is a small, compact, heavy-boned and short-haired dog whose 'bat' ears and short face give it a sweet but pugnacious expression. Frenchies originated in the 1800's from the same ancestor as modern Bulldogs, and their original function as a companion dog and lap pet are still their main "job" for which they are admirably suited by their strong attachment to people. Though some like to hunt, retrieve, and pretend to be guard dogs whenever a stranger is at the door, most French Bulldogs excel at being friendly, loving clowns whose raison d'être is to be adored.